It seems inconceivable now that any actor other than Harrison Ford could have played the iconic space cowboy Han Solo.

But it took George Lucas some convincing that Ford was the right man for the role.

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Among others considered were Nick Nolte, Jack Nicholson, Robert De Niro and Kurt Russell.

But Ford’s delivery in the screen test shown below – his subtle, unmistakable inflections – made it clear to Lucas that same man who’d starred in his earlier feature American Graffiti was right for the part.

And if there was any doubt whatsoever, have a look at Russell’s audition below.